The review also covers the North Monterey County and Palo Alto unified school districts. Federal officials said they are examining whether the districts violated a federal student-privacy law through surveys about students and their families, including questions involving income, race and sexuality.

In San Francisco, investigators are focusing on “The Wheel of Power,” an activity in the district’s “Voices” ethnic studies curriculum. Critics say the exercise asks students to sort themselves by race, income and other characteristics associated with privilege. The Education Department said its investigation will examine whether students were required to complete a questionnaire addressing sexual orientation, physical or mental health, family finances and other personal matters.

The department cited public reporting and complaints in saying it appeared the districts had administered required surveys without parental consent, but its announcement did not identify specific questionnaires. Curriculum samples indicate students are asked to reflect on their identities using categories shown on the wheel; it was not clear whether the activity was being used as a survey. San Francisco Unified officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Federal law requires parental consent for certain surveys involving protected student information. California law is stricter in some areas, requiring schools to notify parents and obtain consent for tests, questionnaires, surveys or examinations about beliefs or practices concerning sex, family life, morality or religion, whether participation is mandatory or voluntary.

The investigation adds to federal scrutiny of the district. In June, the Justice Department began a compliance review involving gender and sexuality content, parent notification and opt-out opportunities, as well as district policies concerning transgender students.

San Francisco Unified adopted the “Voices” curriculum in April, replacing locally developed material used since 2010. The district requires a yearlong ethnic studies course for graduation, beginning with the class of 2029. The course has drawn criticism from some local groups over its content and the time it takes in students’ schedules. Friends of Lowell sued the district in July over the process used to adopt the curriculum.

District Superintendent Maria Su previously defended the course, saying students need to learn history to avoid repeating past mistakes. The curriculum is intended to align with California’s ethnic studies model curriculum, according to the district.